Website Development and Design Firm Explains Important Considerations When Hiring a Web Developer

New York website design expert says that there are certain considerations to be made when contracting with a website developer.

Online PR News – 23-February-2012 – New York, New York – “It is pretty much a given that, in order to survive in today’s competitive market, a business needs a website,” says Peter Crisafi, Vice President of dzine it, Inc., a leading New York website design and website development firm with clients from around the world. “Most businesses can’t employ full-time web developers and administrators, so they look to help from outside website developers. However, most business owners do not realize that there are important considerations to be made when hiring a web developer.”

Crisafi says that there are a number of things every business should consider when entering into a contract with a website developer.

Scope

Obviously, both the business owner and the website developer need to understand exactly what is being contracted, according to Crisafi. Any contract should detail the website’s functionality and specifications so that each party is clear about what will be delivered.

Changes and Revisions

Over the course of a website development project, Crisafi says that both parties should expect that changes will have to be made. Any contract, he says, should specify the number of amendments included and a time frame for these changes to take place. Business owners should beware of hidden fees for revisions and insist on leeway when it comes to unexpected or late content.

Delays

All too often, Crisafi says, a business will pay money for a new website but end up waiting indefinitely for the finished product. Every contract should include terms that outline consequences for delays and how they should be handled.

Project Milestones

Sometimes, a business may insist on paying at project milestones, so that payments are apportioned to various tasks and deliverables. Avoid web developers are that require a large payment up front and a nominal balance on completion.

Maintenance and Tech Support

A contract should also outline a clear understanding of how many maintenance tasks or support calls are included.

Modifications

A contract should also take into consideration, Crisafi says, the fact that the original developer may not be available to work on emergency modifications. Provisions should be made for client or third- party modifications that go awry, requiring the original developer’s input.

Website Ownership

Signing a contract with a web developer does not automatically vest ownership rights in the site or the source code, says Crisafi. The contract should specify that the finished product, associated code, and all related files are the property of the business and not the developer.